The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-04
An Appropriation for Indexing Its Records Re-
considered-Gov. Gray Gets Green Smiths
Signature to the Monument Bill.
The Democratic Legislators Determine
in Caucus Not to Back Down.
In Consequence There Is No Probability ofthe
Deadlock Being BrOken-A Memorial
in Judge Turpie's Behalf

terday morning that marked the development of
serious friction il Democratic ranks regarding
the policy of Senator Smith and his supporters
Up to certain point there has been apparent
unsS. By, throughout the extraordinary use of
arbtrsrypower two or three Senators, who have
independence and intelligence, were kept in line
only by the most earnest persuasion and appeal
1t has net been rare instance for these Soma
tors TO chafe under the rule of the Smith Bailey
faction and manifest opposition of threaten
irg ASPECT This has occurred frequently on the
part Of Senator Weir, who, when he thought
proper. has not been slow to take issue with his
party colleagues as to the length the Democrats
could go in supporting the pretensons and usur-
pations of Smith and his immediate friends. 1t
has been entertained by the latter that the Re-
publicans would tire of their position Of non
intercourse with the Senate and would. before
the week closed, accede to some compromise.
But as the days passed and the Republican Rep
resentatives were as firm as ever and
the Republican Senators oblivious TO
all threats, chatting and tactics to COM
pei them to break their purpose Of
not participating in any business whatever,
manned unmoved, the Democrats became irrita-
bic and revengefu They selected bill yester
day. through which to vent their spleen, not
only against the Supreme Court, but its Clerk.
There has been pending in both houses similar
measures providing an appropriation for the
indexing and arranging Of vast pile of old
transcripts in the Office of the Supreme Court
Clerk. 1t is work that no one likes to under
take, for it means the hard labor Of year Or
more in going through dusty files of data fifty
years back All the judges of the court asked
for the appropriation, and IN the House it met
with serious opposition, although it was cut
down from So 500 to 81, 500 The Senate had
separate bill for the same purpose. appropriat-
ing s., 800. 1t was passed unanimously some
days before the Supreme Court decided ad
versely the application of Senator Smith for an
injunction against Lieutenant governor Rob-
srtson But for giving certificate. as he was
required to do. on the request of defendant, that
the case had been decided, and the decision of
the inferior court reversed, the Smith
Bailey faction has been waiting an oppor-
tunity to make itself heard When Senator Fowler
moved that the vote by which the bill was passed
be reconsdered, he said, in effect that the
Supreme Court Clerk after his participation in
= mob against the Senate last week. ought to re-
eeive no consideration. Senator Weir resented
shis with warmth of expression that meant the
democrats, too, orght to consider their acts on
that occasion. He believed there were other
people besides Republicans in that mob. and the
Senators ought to remember that there were
other people in the State outside themselves
They will be heard from in the future. When t
was proposed to reconsider a bill. confessedly
5000 fruy
opposed to certain political actions it was car
rying politics too far. Senator Smith replied
that the bill had been passed in the interest OF
who had forfeited all right to considera-
ton by his conduct "If that spirit is to pre-
vail" Senator Weir said, sit will be long time
before any reconciliation can be effected between
the two parties" Senator Smith expressed himself
rs not caring whether there was any reconcia-
lion not, he did not favor the Senate passing
= law for State officer who led MOB of foot
pads against its doors. II was not aware Sen
Rtor Weir retorted, "that the Supreme Court
Clerk was the leader of the mob Even if he was,
1t was at q time of excitement. when excitement
was not to be wondered at" Such was the in
terchange of views among Democratic Senators
until the motion to reconsider came to vote,
during which several explanations were made
manifesting the revengeful feeling OF the Smith
Bailey faction against the Clerk, and through
him against the Supreme Court, for its decision
that left Senator Smith without an injunction
a chance to find a court to grant him relief
The motion was declared carried by 20 yeas to 5
nays, twelve Senators, all Republicans. not vOt-
ing. Senator Weir asked if it did not require as
many votes to reconsider as it did to pass bill.
Senator Smith held that it did NOT and the re-
consideration was then recorded 1t was sug-
geSted that the Secretary of the Senate would
demand the bill of the House, it having been
sent there directly after it's passage If this is
done the question will arise, vote on bill
be reconsidered after the measure becomes the
property of the other house Under former de
lair ~ will ha ali Eat tha q hoc lost
al power to reconsider it, and the bill, even if
official communication between the two houses
existed. would be refused, as it is now the sole
property OF the House
In agreement with tho independent action OF
Senator Weir is that of the constituents of Rep
resentative Roberts. Since he offered the reso
luton in the House recognizing the election OF
Lieutenant-eovernor Robertson supporting ii
with speech of no doubtful terms, he has re-
ceived many letters from Democrats ndorsne
bis action One that came to him yesterday
says there are but few Democrats in Dearborn
county who do not unqualifedly indorse his
course The exceptions the writer terms COW.
ards, while the rank and ME of Democracy are
fully in accord with the principle enuncated in
the resolution that the will of the people must
prevail. and that will has been expressed in elect
ing Robert S. Robertson Lieutenant governor
1t was also asserted in the letter that Democrats
who pretended that tho majority of the party in
that section Of tho State favored any othe,
course misrepresented the feeling Of the people
Whose will must rule" the writer. in conclusion
said.
During the morning a communication from Thu
Governor relative to the soldiers monument bill
was sent to the Speaker. 1t remains IN that of
fcer's possession. without its being read to tn
House 1t is as follows:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
INDIANAPOLIS, March 3, 1887.
Tho Honorable the Speaker Of the House of Repre-
sentatives:
Senate bill No g. entitled act to provide for tn
erection of n State soldiers and sailors monumen
or memorial hall combined according to the discre
on az the trustees in this act provided for and de
clar;np an emergency and signed Warren g. Sayrt
s,eaker of the House of Representatives, n:
Robertson Lieutenant governor, was presented t
me by the House Of Representatives, for my approval